§ Mr. McCabeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the outcome is of Stage 1 of the quinquennial review of the Community Development Foundation. [19089]
§ Mr. BlunkettThe first part of the latest review has now finished and I have carefully considered the recommendations in line with the terms of guidance for reviewing non-departmental public bodies (NDPB), included in the Government's Modernising Government White Paper.
Compass Partnership, a firm of independent consultants, conducted the review and after focusing on the context within which the Community Development Foundation (CDF) works, reviewed its management arrangements, surveyed a sample of its external stakeholders and considered the alternative options for CDF. They also considered whether there was a need for the particular functions carried out by CDF as an NDPB to continue. The consultants have recommended that CDF should remain an NDPB, although with a broader remit which reflects the Government's agenda of community involvement, civil renewal and community development, including a number of reforms as to its way of working.
I am pleased to announce that I have broadly accepted the conclusions of stage 1 of the review, and I have given approval for the second stage of the review to commence. This stage will offer an opportunity to consider in more detail what changes to CDF's relationship with Government and the voluntary and community sector are necessary to achieve the expected outcomes.
A copy of the full report of stage 1 of the review will be placed in the Library.
824WThe senior official responsible for the review is the Director of the Government's Active Community Unit based in the Home Office.